Humidity makes weather oppressive

LAHORE - Parts of the country remained in the grip of muggy weather on Thursday with experts predicting the prevailing harsh weather conditions to persist during the next couple of days. Lack of rains, winds and abundance of sunshine caused considerable increase in the mercury level with high humidity making the weather oppressive, causing people to sweat profusely throughout the day. Dalbandin remained hottest place in the country where mercury rose as high as 46 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature in Nokkundi was recorded 45 C, Dadu, Noorpurthal, Bhakkar, Sibbi and Bahawalnagar 44 C. In Lahore, maximum and minimum temperature was recorded 42 C and 26 C respectively. Relative humidity in the evening was recorded 27 per cent. People avoided unnecessarily coming out, reducing traffic on otherwise busy roads at noon and in the afternoon. Lahore Canal, as usual, attracted a large number of people including women and children at noon and in the afternoon. Not only youth but also elderly people were seen bathing. At certain places, even women were seen beating the heat by taking a dip in the mud coloured canal water. According to the experts, seasonal low lies over North Baluchistan and its trough extending southeastward. Weak moist currents are penetrating Kashmir and eastern parts of Punjab. Local meteorological department has forecast mainly hot and humid weather for most parts of the country during the next couple of days. However, rain-thundershower is expected at few places in Gujranwala, Lahore, Sargodha, Kalat, Hazara divisions, Kashmir and Gilgit -Baltistan during evening/night. Dust storm is expected in Multan, Bahawalpur divisions.